Dynamic characteristics of polymer faced tilting pad journal bearings

• PEEK and PTFE faced tilting pad journal bearings are investigated.
• Pads made entirely of PEEK can decrease stiffness and increase damping of the bearing.
• Pads with a PTFE face and steel had lower stiffness and equal damping to PEEK faced pads with a steel backing.

Dynamic characteristics of polymer faced tilting pad journal bearings are presented. Investigations are conducted using a single pad, load on pad configuration over a range of shaft speeds and loads. Two polyether ether ketone (PEEK) faced pads, one polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) faced pad and two entirely PEEK pads are investigated to determine the effect of varying mean bearing pressure and pivot characteristics as well as different material properties of the polymer layer. Experimental results indicate increased damping and decreased stiffness and slightly increased oil film temperature for entirely PEEK pads compared to pads with a PEEK lining and steel backing. Similar effects were observed by using a softer (PTFE) pad liner with a steel backing.

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